Kisses For The Lasses

Clouddead “The Teen Keen Skip” – Simply put, this was not at all what I expected from a new Clouddead record. On their new record Ten, Clouddead wisely plays up its strengths (odd structures, unlikely samples, pleasantly awkward arrangements) while keeping their flaws (godawful attempts at rapping, annoying voices) in check. Indie rock sing-song suits their voices far better, and the psychedelic touches are inspired. It’s a peculiar record, combining undie hip hop with a mix of Warp Records and Elephant Six aesthetics.

“Change Clothes” (Grey Album version) – This is part of DJ Dangermouse’s The Grey Album project, which is one of the most ambitious and cringe-inducingly obvious bootleg/mash-up projects to date. DJ Dangermouse combines a cappella’s from every song on Jay-Z’s The Black Album with tracks derived from the music of The Beatles’ The White Album, with mixed results. On the worst tracks, the backing music fails to match Jay-Z’s vocal flow, and sounds overly glitchy and amateurish like a second rate Def Jux production. When the music does come together, as on the mixes of “December 4,” “What More Can I Say,” and “Change Clothes,” it’s nothing more than an interesting remix that doesn’t come close to the original arrangement.

Also: Scissor Sisters fans should check out the new PopJustice interview with Jake Shears.